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sartori environmental services 106‐185 forester street, north vancouver, bc v7h 2m9 tel 987.5588 fax 987.7740 email [email protected] Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report #85 Reporting Period: January 3 – 16, 2016 Upper Lillooet River Hydroelectric Facility (Water File No. 2002561, Water licence No. C130613), Boulder Creek Hydroelectric Facility (Water File No. 2003049, Water licence No. C129969) & Transmission Line (TX Line) Distribution List Prepared By Name Organization Herbert Klassen James Davies Danielle Cunningham Frank DeGagne Nathan Braun George Steeves Jennifer McCash Thomas Hicks Peter Ramsden Oliver Robson Grant Lindemulder Joshua Zandbergen Julia Mancinelli Liz Scroggins Bas Brusche Matt Kennedy Renaud DeBatz Richard Blanchet Alex Yung Sarah Taschuk Serge Moalli Jonathan Drapeau Éric Ayotte Jean Pelletier Jordan Gagne Ian McKeachie Lianne Leblond D’Arcy Soutar Pontus Lindgren Harriet VanWart Fisheries and Oceans Canada MFLNRO – Water Allocation MFLNRO – Land and Resources MFLNRO – Land and Resources BC Environmental Assessment Office True North Energy – Independent Engineer JEM Energy Ltd. – Independent Engineer Sartori Environmental Services Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. CRT-ebc Construction Inc. Westpark Electric Ltd. Westpark Electric Ltd. Lil’wat Nation J. Alex Sartori, RPBio Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM) J. Stephen Sims, RPBio Delegate IEM Date Prepared: March 7, 2016 Date Submitted: March 9, 2016

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Page 1: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

sartori environmental services 106‐185 forester street, north vancouver, bc v7h 2m9    tel 987.5588    fax 987.7740    email [email protected] 

UpperLillooetHydroProjectWeeklyEnvironmentalMonitoringReport#85

ReportingPeriod:January3–16,2016

UpperLillooetRiverHydroelectricFacility(WaterFileNo.2002561,WaterlicenceNo.C130613),BoulderCreekHydroelectricFacility(WaterFileNo.2003049,Water

licenceNo.C129969)&TransmissionLine(TXLine)

Distribution List Prepared By

Name Organization

Herbert Klassen

James Davies

Danielle Cunningham

Frank DeGagne

Nathan Braun

George Steeves

Jennifer McCash

Thomas Hicks

Peter Ramsden

Oliver Robson

Grant Lindemulder

Joshua Zandbergen

Julia Mancinelli

Liz Scroggins

Bas Brusche

Matt Kennedy

Renaud DeBatz

Richard Blanchet

Alex Yung

Sarah Taschuk

Serge Moalli

Jonathan Drapeau

Éric Ayotte

Jean Pelletier

Jordan Gagne

Ian McKeachie

Lianne Leblond

D’Arcy Soutar

Pontus Lindgren

Harriet VanWart

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

MFLNRO – Water Allocation

MFLNRO – Land and Resources

MFLNRO – Land and Resources

BC Environmental Assessment Office

True North Energy – Independent Engineer

JEM Energy Ltd. – Independent Engineer

Sartori Environmental Services

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

Westpark Electric Ltd.

Westpark Electric Ltd.

Lil’wat Nation

J. Alex Sartori, RPBio Independent Environmental Monitor (IEM)

J. Stephen Sims, RPBio Delegate IEM

Date Prepared: March 7, 2016

Date Submitted: March 9, 2016

Page 2: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 2 of 16 

Owner Construction Permits and Approvals 

Environmental Assessment Certificate No. E13-01 (Amendment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Fisheries Act Subsection 35(2)(b) Authorization No. 09-HPAC-PA2-000303 (Amendment 1, 2) Letter of Advice for the Transmission Line No. 09-HPAC0-PA2-000303

Leave To Commence Construction (ULRHEF) File No. 2002561 Leave To Commence Construction (BDRHEF) File No. 2002453

Leave To Commence Construction (TX Line) File No. 2002561/2002453 Conditional Water Licence (ULRHEF C130613) File No. 2002561 Conditional Water Licence (BDRHEF C129969) File No. 2002453 Conditional Water Licence (BDRHEF C131153) File No. 2003601

Licence of Occupation (ULRHEF #232384) File No. 2409871 Licence of Occupation (BDRHEF #232386) File No. 2409998 Licence of Occupation (TX Line #2423386) File No. 2410654

Occupant Licence to Cut (ULRHEF) No. L49717(Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) Occupant Licence to Cut (BDRHEF – KM 38 laydown) No. L49698

Occupant Licence to Cut (BDRHEF) No. L49816 (Amendments 1, 2, 3) Occupant Licence to Cut (TX Line) No. L49697 (Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

General Wildlife Measure Exemption Approval Letter (TX Line & BDRHEF) File No. 78700-35/06 UWR and 39585-20 WHA Heritage Conservation Act – Alteration Permit (ULRHEF) File No. 11200-03/2014-0033

Road Use Permit No. 6123-13-02 (Lillooet River FSR); 5673-13-01 (Rutherford Creek FSR); 7977-13-01 (Lillooet South FSR); 8015-13-01 (Ryan River); 8188-13-01 (Pemberton Creek FSR); and 9717-13-01 (Miller Bench FSR)

Junction Permit (ULRHEF & BDRHEF) File No. 11250-32/6123 (Amendment 1) Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - Lillooet River Crossing) File No. 2013-004

Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - Ryan River) File No. 2013-005 Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - North Miller) File No. 2013-006 Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - South Miller) File No. 2013-007

Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - Pemberton Creek) File No. 2013-008 Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - Lillooet River near Pemberton) File No. 2013-009

Aeronautical Obstruction Approval (Tx Line - Lillooet River near Meager Creek) File No. 2013-010 Navigable Water Protection Act (ULRHEF) File No. 8200-2009-500434-001 Navigable Water Protection Act (BDRHEF) File No. 8200-2012-501-032-001

Navigable Water Protection Act (Tx Line – North Creek) File No. 8200-2013-500103-001 Navigable Water Protection Act (Tx Line – Lillooet River) File No. 8200-2013-500101-001 Navigable Water Protection Act (Tx Line – Lillooet River) File No. 8200-2013-500102-01 Navigable Water Protection Act (Tx Line – Ryan River) File No. 8200-2013-500104-001

Navigable Water Protection Act (Tx Line – South Miller River) File No. 8200-2013-500100-001 Navigable Water Protection Act (Tx Line – Boulder Creek) File No. 8200-2013-500099-001

Navigable Water Protection Act – Extension Approval (ULRHEF, BDRHEF, Tx Line) Navigable Water Protection Act (Bridge – Ryan River) File No. 8200-2013-500381

Navigable Water Protection Act (Bridge – Upper Lillooet Side Channel; Extension Approval) File No. 8200-2013-500383 Section 57 Authorization (ULRHEF) File No. 16660-20/REC202717

SLRD Temporary Use Permit No. 34 – Boulder Creek HEF SLRD Temporary Use Permit No. 35 – Upper Lillooet River HEF

SLRD Building Permit (10864) – Upper Lillooet River HEF Powerhouse SLRD Building Permit (10865) – Boulder Creek HEF Powerhouse

Works Permit for Construction within FSR Right-of-Way No. 6123-14-01 Works Permit for Construction within FSR Right-of-Way No. 7977-15-01

Section 52(1)(b) FRPA Authorization for Ryan River Wet Crossing File No. FOR-19400-01/2014 MOTI Permit to Construct, Use and Maintain Works Upon the Right-Of-Way of a Provincial Public Highway No. 2014-06099

Magazine Licence File No. UL76018 (Renewal 1) Section 8 Approval – Short Term Use of Water File (Lillooet River and Tributaries) No. A2006123 (Amendment 1)

Section 8 - Special Use Permit issued for the operation of an avalanche weather station on Crown land (File No. S25988)

 

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Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 3 of 16 

Contractor Construction Permits and Approvals 

Waste Discharge under the Code of Practice for the Concrete and Concrete Products Industry under the Environmental

Management Act (Authorization No. 107204) Tracking No. 326969 (Renewal 1) Wildlife Act Permits – Pacific Tailed Frog Salvage Permit # SU15-164805; Fish Salvage Permit # SU15-174722

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Anadromous Fish Salvage Permit #XR 178 2015 BC Safety Authority – Temporary Construction Electrical Service Permit EL-140698-2014

Municipal Wastewater Regulation - Authorization # 107032 Water Supply System Construction Permits – VCH-14-613 for Main Camp

Water Supply System Permit to Operate Issued July 30th, 2014 for Main Camp Section 6(3) and Schedule 3 Wildfire Regulations Fire Exemption for Ryan River Bridge File No. 14350-07 SLRD Building Inspection Report dated August 13, 2014 - Construction Camp Building Permit No. 10830

Lillooet River FSR Temporary Road Closures Approval File No. 11250-32/6123 (Amendment 1, 2) Lillooet South FSR Temporary Road Closures Approval File No. 11250-32/7977

SLRD Building Permits for Mechanic Shop (10862) and Carpentry Shop (10836) March 18, 2015 SLRD Building Permit Stages 1 - 4 – Boulder Powerhouse Architectural, Electrical and Mechanical (10865) October 8, 2015

SLRD Building Permit Stages 1 - 4 – Upper Lillooet Powerhouse Architectural and Mechanical (10864) October 6, 2015

ACRONYMS: 

AMBNS Active Migratory Bird Nesting Survey

Andritz Andritz Hydro Canada Inc.

ANFO Ammonia nitrate fuel oil (industrial explosive)

ASMP Archaeological Sites Management Plan

ARD M/L Acid Rock Drainage and Metal Leaching

BCEAO British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office

BCWQG British Columbia Water Quality Guidelines

BDRHEF Boulder Creek Hydroelectric Facility

BG Background

BKL BKL Consultants Ltd.

CE CRT-ebc Construction Inc.

DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DS Downstream

EAC Environmental Assessment Certificate

EAO Environmental Assessment Office

Ecofish Ecofish Research Ltd.

Ecologic Ecologic Consulting

EIR Environmental Incident Report

ESC Erosion and Sediment Control

FAM Field Advice Memorandum

FSR

Golder

Forest Service Road

Golder Associates

GWR Mountain Goat Winter Range

Hedberg Hedberg and Associates Ltd.

HWM High water mark

IE Independent Engineer (True North Energy)

IEM Independent Environmental Monitor  

INX Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

ISW Instream Works

ITM Environmental Issue Tracking Matrix

JEM JEM Energy Ltd. (Delegate Independent Engineer)

LTC Leave to Construct

MFLNRO Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

MOE Ministry of Environment

MOTI Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

NCD Non Classified Drainage

OLTC Occupational License to Cut

PAG Potentially Acid Generating

ROW Right of Way

RVMA Riparian Vegetation Management Area

SES Sartori Environmental Services

SLRD Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Stringer Line

Temporary Backfeed Transmission Line

TX Line Transmission Line

ULRHEF Upper Lillooet Hydroelectric Facility

UWR Ungulate Winter Range

VC Valued Component

WEL Westpark Electric Ltd.

WEMR Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report

WHA Wildlife Habitat Area

WQ Water Quality  

Page 4: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 4 of 16 

SummaryofSiteInspectionsforReportingPeriodThe table presented below summarizes the IEM team site presence, weather and monitoring locations by component:

Date IEM Team Personnel Key Monitoring Locations & Activities

January 3 – 9, 2016

SE, DA, TH, AS

Construction Camp, Laydown Areas and the Lillooet River FSR Snow clearing and road maintenance on the Lillooet River FSR

ULRHEF Upstream Tunnel Mobilization of tunneling and grouting equipment Drilling, water testing, and grouting boreholes Water treatment system maintenance and monitoring

ULRHEF Downstream Tunnel Mobilization of tunneling equipment Scaling, drilling, blasting and tunnel stabilization

ULRHEF Powerhouse Snow removal and super structure construction

BDRHEF Intake Access Ramp and Diversion Tunnel No activity due to winter shutdown period (April 30, 2016)

BDRHEF Downstream Tunnel Portal Drilling, blasting and tunnel stabilization

BDRHEF Powerhouse Mechanical and electrical component installation

TX-Line No activity

January 10 – 16, 2016

SE, DA, AS

Construction Camp, Laydown Areas and the Lillooet River FSR Snow clearing and road maintenance on the Lillooet River FSR

ULRHEF Upstream Tunnel Drilling, water testing, and grouting boreholes Water treatment system maintenance and monitoring

ULRHEF Downstream Tunnel Mobilization of tunneling equipment Drilling, blasting and tunnel stabilization

ULRHEF Powerhouse Snow removal and super structure construction

BDRHEF Intake Access Ramp and Diversion Tunnel No activity due to winter shutdown period (April 30, 2016)

BDRHEF Downstream Tunnel Portal Drilling, blasting and tunnel stabilization

BDRHEF Powerhouse Mechanical and electrical component installation

TX-Line No activity

IEM Team Personnel: TH – Tom Hicks; SS – Stephen Sims; BA – Blake Aleksich; DA – Danita Abraham; SE – Stephanie Ellis; AS – Anne Sutherland

Page 5: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 5 of 16 

AdministrativeSummaryKey communications and meetings the IEM team had with the licensees, contractors and/or environmental authorities:

Date Communicatio

n

Type Participants Issues Discussed

ITM ID No.

January 7 Email INX, SES

The IEM reviewed and provided clarifying information requested in the BC EAO compliance report issued to INX following the BC EAO site inspection completed in September 2015. The IEM clarified that spoil area BDR-07 was compliant with conditions 8.2.2 and 8.3.2 of the CEMP and the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

-

January 8 Pre-work meeting SES, CE

SES and CE met to discuss the work plan for the opening of a sand borrow pit near KM36 of the Lillooet River FSR. Drainage ditch installation/repair, slope excavation, and road maintenance requirements were discussed and reviewed during the pre-work meeting.

-

January 7 – 10 Email, site inspection

CE, SES, INX, local trapper

CE notified the IEM and INX on January 7 that pine martins were present at the construction camp kitchen where they have begun to destroy food product in the food storage area. A local trapper (Tim Killey) holding the trapping licence that overlaps with the civil components of the Project area was contacted and he came to site to set traps and was able to successfully harvest 6 pine martins ultimately resolving the pest problem. INX and the IEM have requested that CE address previously highlighted waste management issues to prevent potential future problems with pine martins at the construction camp.

-

January 11 Email INX, SES,

JEM

INX distributed the updated Upper Lillooet Project PAG Material Tracking and Storage table confirming that there is no ARD or PAG material onsite as of the end of December 2015.

-

January 13 – 14 Email, field level communications

SES, CE, INX

SES requested an updated water treatment plan for the ULRHEF lower tunnel heading seepage and process water, as infiltration to ground through the ponds had ceased and water was discharging offsite (to vegetation and over a steep snow covered embankment). CE responded by installing a bypass valve to direct water to the second set of infiltration ponds as an interim measure until a more permanent solution could be developed and installed onsite. CE will continue to use the capacity in the two sets of infiltration pond to prevent discharging high pH or turbid water offsite.

-

Page 6: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 6 of 16 

CurrentWorkRestrictionsandTimingWindowsThe table presented below outlines work restrictions applicable during the reporting period for each active Project component location:

Component Location Wildlife/Archeology

Concern Construction/Timing Restrictions &

Mitigations

Lillooet River FSR & ULRHEF

Access roads above the lower limit of the 200m buffer Truckwash Creek Migration Corridor to the ULRHEF intake

Mountain Goat UWR & Migration Corridor

Noise monitoring equipment is in place to monitor background noise levels and exceedances of the 75dbA noise level maximum resulting from blasting activities. Adaptive drilling/blasting noise mitigation strategies will be developed and implemented should activities show persistent exceedances of the noise level threshold.

Mountain Goat monitoring activities will occur daily throughout the winter and spring (November 1 – June 15) when construction activities are occurring at the ULRHEF lower tunnel portal and/or the ULRHEF intake.

If a mountain goat is observed within 500m line of sight of construction operations, construction must cease for at least 48 hours. The IEM must record and submit all goat observations to FLNR within 48 hours.

BDRHEF intake Portion of intake access road and crane pad within UWR

Mountain Goat UWR

During winter months (November 1 – April 30), access to BDRHEF intake must be gated at least 500 m from UWR to restrict motorized use within the UWR, unless otherwise directed by MFLNRO.

If a mountain goat is observed within a 500m line of site of a construction activity within UWR u-2-002 UL 12, construction activities will cease for at least 48 hours. Approval from the IEM must be obtained prior to recommencing construction activities.

UpperLillooetRiverHEF–MonitoringResults

ConstructionCamp,KM38Laydown,AccessRoads&LillooetRiverFSR

Activities: 

Routine maintenance of construction equipment within the mechanic shop and fuel management continued at the KM 38 laydown. All hazardous substance materials (waste oil, contaminated soil, used oil/hydraulic fluid containers, etc.) were stored temporarily for off-site disposal in a designated area at the laydown. The materials were all well contained and protected from the weather.

A pre-work meeting was conducted to discuss the opening of the KM36 sand borrow pit (Photo 1). Drainage ditches, excavating to stable slope angles and access road alignment continuity were discussed.

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Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 7 of 16 

Snow removal on the Lillooet River FSR and site access roads continued (Photo 2).

Environmental Summary: 

Snow management around the waste compactor, electric fences, and construction camp facilities was performed to maintain their operation following heavy snowfall during this reporting period (Photo 3 & Photo 4). CE continues to remove snow and repair the electric fence following each snowfall.

Photos: 

Photo 1 – Pre-work meeting conducted onsite at the sand

borrow pit near KM36 of the Lillooet River FSR prior to beginning works (January 8, 2016).

Photo 2 – Snow blowing flowing snowfall near KM47 of the

Lillooet River FSR (January 13, 2016).

Photo 3 – Electric fences were snow free and operational

during this reporting period (January 6, 2016).

Photo 4 – Removing snow from the roofs at the ULHP camp following heavy snowfall (January 13).

Intake(North&SouthSides),andUpstreamTunnelPortal

Construction Activities: 

Grout injection at the ULRHEF upstream tunnel portal resumed following re-mobilization of equipment on January 9.

Page 8: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 8 of 16 

Dewatering to ULRHEF intake sediment basins (Photo 5).

Environmental Summary: 

During all grout injection work in the tunnel, seepage and process water was directed to the ULRHEF intake sediment basins for treatment (Photo 5). Prior to works, CE’s environmental management team activated the CO2 injection component of the water treatment system and prepared the flocculant injection system to be used if necessary.

The IEM was at the ULRHEF intake to conduct water quality monitoring during active grout injection in the upstream tunnel. During works, the IEM conducted sampling in the treatment basins, in the cells downstream of the treatment systems (Photo 5) and at the outlet to the Lillooet River (Photo 6), when water leaving the system was close to pH 9. Water treatment was successful and water quality remained within Project guidelines (pH 6.5 – 9) during grouting works. Please see Section 4.5 Water Quality Results.

Photos: 

Photo 5 – Water being directed to the first cell of the of the

ULRHEF sediment basins during tunnel grouting (January 12, 2016).

Photo 6 – Water discharging to the Lillooet River from the ULRHEF sediment basins (January 9, 2016).

DownstreamTunnelPortal

Construction Activities: 

Drilling, blasting, mucking and stabilization works within the tunnel.

Environmental Summary: 

During an inspection on January 8, the IEM noted that water was discharging from the infiltration ponds through the outlet pipe and flowing along the toe of the penstock fill slope through a vegetated area (Photo 7). The IEM hiked along the flow path and found that the water was no longer infiltrating to ground and was discharging offsite, over a ledge that was inaccessible. The water was discharging offsite at 77 NTU and above BCWQGs for discharge to surface water; however, as water was discharging to vegetation and unlikely to have reached a watercourse via surface connection, the discharge is not considered to have had an impact on surface water quality or aquatic life. The IEM requested that CE prevent

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Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 9 of 16 

the water discharging from the primary infiltration ponds as this water flows along the toe of the penstock fill before flowing over the edge of a steep embankment. By allowing discharge from the infiltration ponds, particularly once the snow begins to melt, the potential exists for erosion and sediment transport offsite towards the Lillooet River Trail. CE responded the following morning (January 9), by repairing the piping and valves to the discharge pipe that will direct water to a second set of infiltration ponds temporarily (Photo 8). By directing water between the two sets of ponds, CE can manage the infiltration rates to prevent the water from discharging offsite (Photo 9). CE is working on developing a more permanent solution in this area now that the infiltration capacity of the primary treatment ponds has slowed.

Photos: 

Photo 7 – Water discharging from the primary infiltraton ponds at the ULRHEF downstream tunnel is no longer infiltrating in a vegetated area and is flowing over a steep bank at the toe of

the penstock fill (January 8, 2016).

Photo 8 – Repairing the piping system at the primary ULRHEF downstream tunnel infiltration ponds so water can be direct to

the second set of infiltration ponds (January 9, 2015).

Photo 9 –ULRHEF downstream tunnel seegpage and process water being directed to the second set of infiltration ponds

(January 11, 2016).

Page 10: Upper Lillooet Hydro Projectupperlillooethydro.com/archives/2016-03-09-ulhp... · Communicatio n Type Participants Issues Discussed ITM ID No. January 7 Email INX, SES The IEM reviewed

Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 10 of 16 

Powerhouse&AccessRoad

Construction Activities: 

Superstructure construction (Photo 10 and Photo 11Photo 11).

Dewatering to Lillooet River.

Environmental Summary:   

No environmental issues were observed or reported at the ULRHEF powerhouse during this reporting period.

Photo 10 – ULRHEF powerhouse construction

(January 7, 2016).

Photo 11 – ULRHEF powerhouse construction

(January 13, 2016).

WaterQualityResultsThe following table presents the results of the routine WQ sampling program for the ULRHEF. The IEM is undertaking a weekly monitoring program according to the conditions outlined in the Surface Water Quality Protection Plan. The regular monitoring sites quantify WQ conditions within the Lillooet River upstream and downstream of active construction areas. The IEM acknowledges the natural variability of instream WQ conditions in the Lillooet River due to seasonal melt fluctuations and large tributary inputs. In the event that an exceedance of in-situ WQ (turbidity and/or pH) is deemed to be caused by project-related activities, the IEM will highlight the exceedance, discuss the cause, and outline measures undertaken by the Contractor to correct the issue. When an exceedance cannot be attributed to project related activities, the exceedance will be marked by an asterisk (*).

Date Time Sample Location Description pH Turbidity

(NTU) Cond (uS)

Temp (°C)

Routine Water Quality

January 7, 2016

10:37 ULR Background – ULRHEF Intake 7.1 2.3 189 1.8

9:45 ULR #0.5 – Downstream of ULRHEF intake at

Keyhole Bridge 7.5 4.1 145 0.2

11:16 ULR # 1 – Upstream of ULRHEF Powerhouse 7.6 3.0 150 0.8

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Upper Lillooet Hydro Project Weekly Environmental Monitoring Report 

 

WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 11 of 16 

Date Time Sample Location Description pH Turbidity

(NTU) Cond (uS)

Temp (°C)

11:37 ULR #2 – Downstream of ULRHEF Powerhouse

between KM 40.5 and KM 41 7.2 2.6 155 0.6

15:10 ULR #3 – Lillooet River FSR KM 38 Laydown –

D/S of Boulder confluence 7.4 1.3 135 1.4

15:55 ULR #4 – Lillooet River FSR KM 24 – D/S of all

works and Meager confluence 7.3 9.8 195 1.5

January 15, 2016

11:20 ULR Background – ULRHEF Intake 7.4 3.6 141 0.9

11:40 ULR #0.5 – Downstream of ULRHEF intake at

Keyhole Bridge 7.5 1.8 143 0.4

12:10 ULR # 1 – Upstream of ULRHEF Powerhouse 7.8 4.4 154 1.3

12:30 ULR #2 – Downstream of ULRHEF Powerhouse

between KM 40.5 and KM 41 7.7 2.7 139 1.3

15:10 ULR #3 – Lillooet River FSR KM 38 Laydown –

D/S of Boulder confluence 7.6 1.6 130 0.7

14:10 ULR #4 – Lillooet River FSR KM 24 – D/S of all

works and Meager confluence 7.8 1.4 165 1.9

The following table presents the results of WQ sampling results collected at the ULRHEF intake water treatment system.  

Upper Lillooet Upstream Tunnel Portal - Grouting Works (2016)

Date Time (24hr)

Sample Location Description pH

January 9 12:45 Pond 2 9.8 12:57 Discharge to Lillooet River 7.3

January 11 13:16 Pond 7 (lower basins) 8.8 14:30 Discharge to Lillooet River 8.0

January 12 14:10 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.7 15:40 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.7

January 13 11:12 Pond 7 (lower basins) 8.2 11:30 Pond 7 (lower basins) 8.1 13:45 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.9

January 14 15:20 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.7 15:56 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.8 16:45 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.8

January 15 11:10 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.8

January 16 9:30 Pond 7 (lower basins) 7.8 10:15 Pond 5 (directly before secondary treatment) 8.9

RecommendationsIEM recommendations for the ULRHEF are as follows:

All seepage water in the intake excavation and portal should be conveyed to the sediment basins unless approved for discharge directly to the Lillooet River by the IEM or CE environmental manager.

CE should develop a long-term plan to address water treatment at the ULRHEF downstream tunnel heading now that infiltration capacity in the ponds has reduced and water discharging

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off-site does not meet surface water quality guidelines and poses an ESC risk to downstream areas. In the short term, CE should closely monitor the infiltration rates in both sets of treatment ponds to prevent offsite discharge of surface water.

The ULRHEF powerhouse sump water should be monitored regularly. Alkaline or turbid water should be pumped to the settling ponds for treatment.

UpcomingWorksThe following new and/or environmentally sensitive construction activities are scheduled to occur at the ULRHEF in the upcoming reporting period:

Grout injection will continue at the ULRHEF upstream tunnel portal.

Drilling, blasting and tunnel stabilization at the ULRHEF downstream tunnel.

Dewatering to the ULRHEF intake sediment basins will continue.

Superstructure construction will continue at the ULRHEF powerhouse.

BoulderCreekHydroelectricFacility–MonitoringResults

Intake&DiversionTunnel

Construction Activities: 

No activity due to winter shutdown period.

DownstreamTunnelPortalandPowerhouse

Construction Activities:  

Drilling, blasting and tunnel stabilization in the downstream tunnel portal.

BDRHEF powerhouse mechanical and electrical component installation.

Dewatering of the tunnel and powerhouse to the oil water separator and settling ponds continued (Photo 12).

Environmental Summary:   

All wastewater related to the BDRHEF tunnelling works continued to be contained and conveyed to the downstream portal settling ponds for treatment (Photo 12).

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WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 13 of 16 

Photos: 

Photo 12 – BDRHEF downstream portal settling ponds

(January 6, 2016).

Photo 13 – Preparing the generators for installation inside

the BDRHEF powerhouse. (January 13, 2016).

WaterQualityResultsThe following table presents the results of the routine WQ sampling program for the BDRHEF. The IEM is undertaking a weekly monitoring program according to the conditions outlined in the Surface Water Quality Protection Plan. The regular monitoring sites have been selected to quantify WQ conditions within the Lillooet River upstream and downstream of active construction areas. The IEM acknowledges the natural variability of instream WQ conditions in Boulder Creek due to seasonal fluctuations in snowmelt. In the event that an exceedance of in-situ WQ (turbidity and/or pH) is deemed to be caused by project-related activities, the IEM will highlight the exceedance, discuss the cause, and outline measures undertaken by the Contractor to correct the issue. When an exceedance cannot be attributed to project related activities, the exceedance will be marked by an asterisk (*).

Date Time Sample Location Description pH Turbidity

(NTU) Cond (uS)

Temp (°C)

Routine Water Quality

January 7, 2016

- BDR BG – Upstream of BDRHEF intake

*not accessible* - - - -

- BDR #1 – Downstream of BDRHEF intake

*not accessible* - - - -

17:10 BDR #2 – Upstream of BDRHEF Powerhouse 7.3 0.2 115 1.9

17:20 BDR #3 – Downstream of BDRHEF Powerhouse

at Pebble Creek Bridge 7.5 1.6 129 1.8

January 15, 2016

- BDR BG – Upstream of BDRHEF intake

*not accessible* - - - -

- BDR #1 – Downstream of BDRHEF intake

*not accessible* - - - -

12:54 BDR #2 – Upstream of BDRHEF Powerhouse 7.7 0.2 95 1.1

13:10 BDR #3 – Downstream of BDRHEF Powerhouse

at Pebble Creek Bridge 7.6 0.4 99 1.2

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RecommendationsIEM recommendations for the BDRHEF are as follows:

All wastewater related to the BDRHEF tunnelling works should continue to be contained and conveyed to the downstream portal settling ponds for treatment. Regular inspections of the treatment ponds should be performed to ensure the necessary maintenance activities outlined in the work plan are performed.

UpcomingWorksThe following new and/or environmentally sensitive construction activities are scheduled to occur in the upcoming reporting period:

BDRHEF downstream portal tunnelling works will continue.

Component installation will continue at the BDRHEF powerhouse.

TransmissionLine–MonitoringResults

TransmissionLineConstructionActivitieso No activities occurred on the TX Line during this reporting period.

WildlifeSightingsAs per the CEMP, a wildlife sightings record has been implemented and will be updated regularly by Project Personnel. It is mandatory for all personnel to report wildlife sightings including, but not limited to bears, cougars, mountain goats and deer. Wildlife sighting will be reported and recorded by the contractor(s). Wildlife Observation forms will be included in first reporting period following month end. Observation or detection of the following species will trigger notification to identified parties according to the following table.

Species Observed or Detected

Notification Period

Agencies to be Notified

Northern rubber boa Immediately IEM, Owner

Grizzly bear 24hrs IEM, Safety Officer, Conservation

Officer, Owner

Wolverine den 24hrs IEM, MFLNRO, Owner

Spotted owls 24hrs IEM, MOE, Owner

Mountain goats 48hrs IEM, MFLNRO, Owner

MountainGoatMonitoringProgramThe following mitigation measures related to mountain goats were implemented during this monitoring period:

Access to the BDRHEF intake is gated and will now be locked fulltime to restrict motorized use within the UWR until April 30, 2016.

Noise level monitoring data continued to be collected and used to adaptively manage construction noise and ensure that the 75db noise level threshold is not exceeded as

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outlined in the Mountain Goat Management Plan. SES installed the noise monitoring equipment on January 8 as works resumed within 500m of UWR following the Christmas shutdown period.

The IEM or designate was on site to monitor Mountain Goat activity within 500m of construction activities at the ULRHEF intake and the ULRHEF downstream tunnel portal. Mountain goats were monitored from four sites:

o Truckwash Creek viewing river right of the Migration Corridor– MG-OBS01 (10U 467955 5612773);

o Keyhole Falls viewing the south side u-2-002 UL11 – MG-OBS02 (10U 466593 5613988);

o Garibaldi Pumice mine site viewing u-2-002 UL 19 – MG-OBS03 (10U 467388 561408); and,

o Salal Creek monitoring site viewing u-2-002 UL 8 – MG-OBS04 (10U 466133 5613991).

Monitoring effort was split between all sites during daylight hours, unless safety concerns or weather conditions interfered. The order of site visits rotated daily. Construction activities must cease if a goat(s) is/are observed moving towards the ULRHEF intake and/or if a goat(s) is/are observed within a 500m line of site of a construction activity. No goats were observed within 500m line of sight of construction activities and no work stoppages were required.

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WEMR #85 January 3 – 16, 2016 Page 16 of 16 

EnvironmentalIssuesTrackingMatrix(ITM)

HydroelectricFacilities(ULRHEF&BDRHEF)

ITM Tracking Legend:

Work Item Open Work Item Complete

Issue Closed

Issue Tracking Environmental Issue Mitigation Measures

ID No. Status Location Issue Description Action Taken/Recommended Date of Identification

Targeted Date for

Completion Date Completed

No outstanding environmental issues (next ITM – BDR#28 & ULR#41)

TransmissionLine

ITM Tracking Legend:

Work Item Open Work Item Complete

Issue Closed

Issue Tracking Environmental Issue Mitigation Measures

ID No. Status Location Issue Description Action Taken/Recommended Date of Identification

Targeted Date for

Completion Date Completed

No outstanding environmental issues (next ITM – Tx#3)